# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1956_S537
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

INTERSYNODICAL AND DOCTRINAL MATTERS 537

To Decline Membership in the Lutheran World
Federation Under Present Conditions
(Memorial 1007)

1. In consideration of the cogent arguments presented by
Synod’s Committee on the Lutheran World Federation, and in
consideration of similar evaluations made by our sister synods
in this country and abroad, Trinity Congregation petitions the
synodical convention (a) to decline membership in the Lutheran
World Federation, and (b) to refrain hereafter from action on
association with it until the unacceptable bases on which the
Federation is organized and operates are eliminated.

2. We indeed recognize the obligation Scripture places also
upon Synod to give reason for its position to those who ask.
Such testimony has been given through many years past and now
again by Synod’s committee with the citation of clear Scripture
and demonstrable facts; the meaning of the Federation’s Consti-
tution is evident, and its provisions cannot be revised by inter-
pretations advanced by individuals; and the character of the
Federation’s activity is a matter of record. Therefore we hold
that God’s Word does not bind our consciences to give a hearing
at all times to representations that our understanding of God’s
Word or the Federation’s Constitution is faulty, raised by such
as hold and advocate a different doctrinal position.

3. In connection with what is obviously an error in transcrip-
tion in the report of Synod’s Committee, the editorial staff of the
American Lutheran, a magazine published by members of our
Synod, has chosen to write of “the propaganda purpose evidently
intended by the committee” (January 1956, p.5). We hold that
this aspersion on the good faith and intent of the committee is

deserving of censure. Truity Ev. LUTHERAN CHURCH
Oax Park, ILLINOIS

E. L. Krert, Secretary

Unprinted Memorials 7 and 11 also had their bearing on

this matter.
ACTION

Committee 3 brought in the following resolution, which was
adopted by Synod, 12 negative votes being counted:

Resolution 11
Wuereas, The constitution of the Lutheran World Federation
clearly indicates to us that the nature and purposes of the Lutheran
World Federation are such that they promote co-operation of the